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For countless fans who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the quintessence of English politeness and restraint – rendering this new portrayal as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has proven too much for the production company and estate that own the character's rights.

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company

The film producers, behind the hit Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to take legal action against British production company Avalon, which created Paddington's radical reimagining.

A high court complaint, initially covered by industry media, cites copyright and creative ownership issues. The legal document doesn't detail the specifics of the allegations, but it follows Paddington's inclusion in the latest Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

The show includes segments about tech billionaires, Donald Trump and political figures. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts discuss reaching goals.

Controversial Portrayal Particulars

The show is presented by a typical Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a dishevelled-looking Paddington. In the first episode, Paddington starts by declaring he doesn't actually talk like Ben Whishaw, the prize-earning actor who voices the character in latest movie adaptations.

He then switches to a generic South American accent before shouting: "I am from Peru, motherfuckers – I am Paddington Bear from Peru! You probably remember me from the films Paddington, Paddington 2 and Paddington in Peru. I also had a starring role in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

At the conclusion of the episode, a chaotic Paddington is seen inhaling a white powder before seemingly passing out.

Background Information of Satirical Show

The legal proceedings come three months after Avalon premiered The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the popular stable of podcasts produced by multiple media companies.

The show's launch on YouTube in July signaled a fresh phase for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of offending its subjects – usually politicians, rather than beloved children's characters.

• Original series was among the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after viewing figures declined
• Rebooted in 2020 for streaming service BritBox
• Continued for two series before being discontinued once more

Platform Adaptation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been tailored for the platform. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to appeal to viewers who browse recommended content.

In the first show, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington urges the rightwing billionaire to go to Mars. "You are too much genius for one planet," he says. "As I say about my cocaine, it is only right to share."

He later says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The pair also announce an commercial for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."

The bear starts another section by commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."

Company Statements

StudioCanal refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they could not comment as the matter was the focus of legal proceedings.

Avalon has been contacted for comment.